Submitted by Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce that its Star Dressing Room has been officially named in honor of Roger McIntosh, recognizing the organization’s “deep appreciation for four decades of service, care, commitment, and the philosophy that guided his work.” This dedication celebrates McIntosh’s extraordinary legacy and lasting impact on the Washington Center, the artists it serves, and the greater South Sound arts community.
In addition, the Washington Center is pleased to announce that Roger McIntosh has been selected as the 2026 Excellence in the Arts, Commitment to the Arts Awardee. He will be honored at the Washington Center’s annual gala on March 7, 2026. The annual Award for Commitment to the Arts recognizes outstanding commitment to the arts through volunteerism, financial support, leadership, or advocacy by individuals or organizations based in the greater South Sound region (Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Lewis Counties).
McIntosh has served as Production Manager at the Washington Center since its inception in 1985 and is transitioning to personal adventures after 40 years of dedicated service to the performing arts in Thurston County. Hired just before the Center opened to the public in September 1985, he has been instrumental in shaping the technical excellence, professionalism, and welcoming spirit that define the venue today.
“Roger has truly been the heart and soul of the Washington Center since its very beginning,” said a longtime board member, Dr. Alison Vega. “His leadership and steadfast integrity have shaped every interaction and made those of us lucky enough to train or work with him better for it.”
After graduating from The Evergreen State College with a degree in technical theater, McIntosh worked in photography, marketing, and lighting design for bands in both Seattle and his hometown of Walla Walla. He returned to Olympia and joined the Washington Center team at a pivotal moment, helping to establish the systems, standards, and culture that would support decades of successful performances.
Beyond his work at the Center, McIntosh served as adjunct faculty at The Evergreen State College, teaching lighting design and mentoring emerging technical theater professionals. Since 1985, he has also been the lighting designer for Ballet Northwest, including The Nutcracker and all major productions, a role he plans to continue.
Over four decades, McIntosh has welcomed thousands of artists to the Washington Center stage, ensuring that every performance—from local artistic partners to national touring companies—was delivered with excellence, care, and professionalism. His leadership, integrity, and calm presence have made him a trusted ambassador for the Center.
McIntosh is widely recognized as a generous mentor who helped build a strong and inclusive technical theater community in the South Sound. He fostered an environment where emerging professionals were supported, collaboration was valued, and hard work was rewarded. Many artists and technicians credit him with giving them both opportunity and confidence at critical moments in their careers.
True to his nature, McIntosh has carried out this work with humility, never seeking recognition, but always ensuring that performers and productions could shine. The naming of the Star Dressing Room stands as a tribute to the steady leadership, care, and commitment that have been the foundation and heartbeat of the Washington Center since its inception.
The Washington Center invites the community to join in celebrating Roger McIntosh’s remarkable legacy at the Center Stage Awards & Gala on March 7, 2026.
Box Office Information
- Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- For ticketing questions or more information about upcoming events please visit the Washington Center for the Performing Arts website or call the Box Office at 360.753.8586.
- Details on current COVID protocols can be found here.
Read about more upcoming shows at the Washington Center for Performing Arts here.
Read more Thurston County news here.
